12 Minis in 12 Months | Trip Around the World Mini Quilt

After being inspired by the speed and simplicity of the Lemon Tree Trip Around the World quilt I recently made, I designed and made a traditional Trip Around the World mini quilt using the same basic technique. It was such a fun make, (and I have shared the instructions for you to make your own below :).

I also quilted a test block I made for my Burnt Sugar quilt pattern, and turned it into a mini quilt. I might have to try a scaled down version of this block in the future – I think it would be so cute!!

Coincidentally, the colour palette of each quilt was quite similar to the other. It’s one of my favourite combinations!!

As a general rule, I prefer simplicity when it comes to quilting mini quilts, and often find a simple crosshatch is all that is required! Both quilts were quilted with a walking foot on my domestic sewing machine.

I think I have a little crush on this Burnt Sugar block!

(Side note: Though I gravitate towards simple quilting, I do think this block would be an awesome one to test your Free Motion Quilting skills, if that is something you love – don’t you agree?).

Crosshatch quilting was a perfect choice for the Trip Around the World mini!

Mini Quilt Momentum

The momentum I have felt when sewing mini quilts lately has been a real eye-opener. Every creative person has experienced those moments when there is a significant disconnect between their mind and their movement – you want to sew, but you have no motivation to actually do so! Unfortunately the reality is, there is really only one thing that can truly spark your motivation, and that is SUCCESS!

If you want to be creative, then you have to create – it’s as simple as that!

Sometimes though, the thought of starting a big project is daunting. A mini quilt project is a great segue into a bigger project because the success you feel completing a project generates motivation – which turns into more success – and more motivation!

So next time you feel your sewjo is MIA, force yourself to make a mini – ‘just do it’, and see where the momentum takes you!

Would you like to make your own Trip Around the World Mini Quilt?

Fabric Requirements for Quilt Top:

You will require 10 different fabrics (A – J). For my quilt I used Sweet Prairie by Down Grapevine Lane for Riley Blake Designs.

Cut the following,

(1) – 1/1/2″ square (A)

(4) – 1-1/2″ squares (B)

(4) – 1-1/2″ x 21″ strips (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J)

Other Supplies Required:

Binding fabric – (2) 2-1/4″ x WOF strips

Batting – at least 20″ square

Backing – at least 20″ square

Notes:

Read instructions thoroughly before beginning.

The seam allowance is included in the cutting size given.

Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance throughout.

WOF = Width of Fabric

Unit dimensions are given Width x Height.

This quilt measures approximately 17-1/2″ square.

Piecing Instructions:

Step 1. From each of the 1-1/2″ x 21″ strips, subcut (4) 1-1/2″ squares and set aside. Your strips are now 1-1/2″ x 15″.

Step 2. Layout the (8) fabric strips in a colour order you find pleasing. Take note of the first strip and last strip in your arrangement and be sure that you are happy for them to be side by side too.

Step 4. Continue referring to the Bonnie Hunter method, and turn each strip segment into a tube. Then cut into (8) 1-1/2″ strips in the same manner as she directs.

Step 5. Unpick your tube strips to create the (4) corner segments of the block as shown below in the quilt assembly diagram. Press any seams not yet pressed.

Step 6. Stitch together the 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ units from step 5 to create the (4) corner segments of the quilt – paying close attention to the diagonal direction of each corner. Press in the one direction.

Step 7. Using the 1-1/2″ squares set aside earlier, assemble the (2) vertical joining rows by referring to the quilt assembly diagram. Sew the required squares together in the correct order. Press towards the same fabrics as you have done in the side squares.

Step 8. Using the 1-1/2″ squares set aside earlier, assemble the horizontal joining row by referring to the quilt assembly diagram. Sew the required squares together in the correct order. Press in the one direction.

Step 9. Horizontally, then vertically sew the units together. All your seams should nest together to create the quilt top. Press the final horizontal seams toward the centre.

Step 10. Quilt and bind as desired.

Trip Around the World Mini Quilt Assembly Diagram

12 Minis in 12 Months Continues…

12 Minis in 12 Months is hosted by Kait @knotandthread check out her blog for all the latest information.

I hope you get a chance to make your own Trip Around the World mini quilt, and if you do, tag your makes with #triparoundtheworldmini on Instagram.

Comments

I love this, Samantha! I’ve always wanted to make a Trip Atound the World quilt but felt quite daunted by the whole thing! But this is perfect! This will be my March mini – thanks! And BTW I used Sweet Prairie for my February mini too!

Quilts are so much more than pieces of pretty fabric and thread. They are a tangible part of our life story, and a creative expression of who we are. They can showcase everything from our favourite colours to things we value and our hopes and dreams. Every quilt has its own story.

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All the creative images you see featured on this site are the intellectual property of Aqua Paisley Studio unless noted otherwise, and are protected under copyright law. If you want to share my images for the purpose of inspiration please provide the appropriate credit and link back to this website. Please do not share any commercial content such as patterns or tutorials without express permission.

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"There are stories hidden in the language we use, whether we are conscious of them or not they tell the truth of our heart and minds." - Cheryl Strayed
Aqua Paisley Studio is dedicated to the language of quiltmaking and 'the story behind the quilt'.
My goal is to inspire quilt makers everywhere to follow their bliss and create everyday with intention. Welcome! - Samantha